RSPCA to launch investigation into 'silly prank' after stolen pet rabbit found in postbox

The animal was returned to its owner without injury

A postman found the rabbit in a postbox in Maltby, South Yorkshire (PA)

A stolen rabbit found in a postbox as part of a “silly prank” has been returned to its owner.

The white rabbit was discovered by a postman during his rounds on Saturday morning in Maltby, South Yorkshire, on top of the usual letters and cards.

After several people offered to re-home the animal the RSPCA managed to track down the pet's owners, who said it had been taken from its hutch.

A spokesman for the animal charity said: “Fortunately the rabbit was fine and had no injuries despite its ordeal.

”We managed to trace the owner who said that the rabbit had been taken from its hutch in her garden.

“Clearly this was a silly prank that could have resulted in the rabbit being seriously hurt.

”We have launched an investigation, so we will be hoping to track down the culprits and take any appropriate action.“

A spokesman for Royal Mail said: “The postman opened the box to find the little white rabbit and straight away called the RSPCA. It was quite small and it is unknown how long it had been in there.

“It's highly unusual. It's a sad thing to see and we're glad for the quick thinking of the postie. We are glad it's safe and sound.”

The picture of the rabbit in the postbox had prompted outrage on social media, with one user commenting: “How utterly disgusting! There really are some horrible people about!”

Another tweeted: “This poor, sweet bunny.”